Bank files

Importing bank files into PocketSmith.

Importing a bank file is an alternative method for bringing your transactions into PocketSmith. If there's no bank feed support available for your bank in PocketSmith, or you would prefer to not use bank feeds, then using bank files might be right for you! You can also use bank files to import transactions that are older than those brought in by the initial bank feed import (bank feeds can sync back up to 90 days).

When you first start using PocketSmith, you can import a bank file from your checklist. If you've already completed your checklist, you can import a bank file from the Account Summary page instead!

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Quick Answers

My bank feed only goes back a few months, can I go back further by importing bank files?

When you first add a bank feed, our bank feed provider gathers up to last 90 days of your transaction history. If you'd like to import more historical data than this into PocketSmith, you can backfill an account by importing bank files. Learn more here: Importing bank files into PocketSmith

How do I export bank files from my bank?

Each online banking website will look different, however most will provide a way to export your transactions.

Log into your online banking and look for an export button. Select the date range of the data you’d like to import into PocketSmith, and choose one of the following file types: OFX, QFX, QIF, or CSV.

You will need to export files for each of the accounts you'd like to have in PocketSmith. Once you have exported your bank files, you can import them straight into PocketSmith!

What is the best file format to use for my bank files?

We recommend OFX files - this file type imports smoothly into PocketSmith without any issue and most online banking websites provide this export option. We also support QFX, QIF and CSV. For more information check out: Supported file types

How do I create a template for my CSV bank file?

When uploading a CSV file to PocketSmith, you’ll have the option to create a new format (template) so that your transaction data can be imported correctly.

PocketSmith will display a sample of the rows found within the CSV file. You'll just need to identify the columns, (eg. date, merchant, or amount) and then save the format with a memorable name!

How can I delete a saved CSV format?

If you need to delete a saved CSV format you can do this under Settings > User preferences > Saved CSV formats. Navigate to the saved format you'd like to delete, click the trash icon and then click OK.

How can I prevent duplicate transactions when I'm using bank files?

If you have imported two different files with dates that cross over each other, or if you add the same file twice into the same account in PocketSmith, this will cause duplicate transactions. When you're importing bank files that might include duplicates it's really important to select the option Replace transactions on overlapping dates. Find more about this option in our user guide: Bank file import options

I'm trying to import my bank file into PocketSmith but it's not working, what should I do?

Occasionally, the date format within a bank file can cause an error when importing the file into PocketSmith. If you’re receiving an ‘invalid date’ or a ‘date detection failed’ error, learn how to resolve this here: An error is shown during a bank file import

If you’re still encountering an issue after following the steps outlined in this user guide, please get in touch with us.

Overlapping options when importing a file

When importing a bank file into an existing bank account, PocketSmith can pick up overlapping transactions - these are transactions that have the same dates as transactions already in the account. It's best to avoid duplicate transactions, so we recommend selecting Replace transactions on overlapping dates. For more details about this option, check out this user guide: Bank file import options

Joining the payee and memo fields

If you have imported a bank file and you notice some information is missing from the Merchant column, this may be because some banks separate merchant details into a memo field and a merchant field. To fix this, you can import the file again and select the checkbox Join the payee and memo fields together. Just remember to change the overlap options to Replace transactions on overlapping dates! You can find more about this option in the following article: Bank file import options

Why are the dates on transactions incorrect after importing a bank file?

When importing CSV and QIF bank files, PocketSmith tries to work out the date format that has been imported without asking you for additional input. Sometimes, PocketSmith will import transactions with the incorrect date format. To learn how to fix this, please see: Transaction dates are incorrect after importing a bank file